I was getting worried because it took ages for me to finally hack something. But now I can say I successfully penetrated several machines. They're all windows machines, but oh well. Also I managed to reach another network with a bit of help from DRaid

The guys on IRC are very helpful and they always steer me to the right direction without giving spoilers.

I've carefully documented all exercises and most extra miles, which is a very time consuming task. I've studied all the material (labs and video's), and have about 17 lab days left to hack as much as possible.

I'm still very thankful for getting this opportunity. I've already learned so much I might even pursue a security related career instead of development. Before starting this course I knew I was going to become a software engineer..but now I'm not so sure

Its great to see your doing the extra mile challenges. When you get the chance be sure to get some experience exploiting some of the linux machines. You and I are in the same boat in what were going into for our career. I'm going for development and eventually may switch over to the infosec field. Keep at it.

nice! great news to hear! i got about a week left on my lab time and i have not reached the other networks yet...working hard right now but keep hitting walls...i must say its harder then i initially thought it would be...keep it up and i will talk to ya soon!

CISSP, CEH, ECSA, OSCP, OSWP, eCPPT, eWAPT

earning my stripes appears to be a road i must travel alone...with a little help of EH.net

@j0rDy I have heard that in the test, you don't have to pivot to attack another network. So although it is very useful, if you can't find other networks during your lab time, you should be ok for the exam.

BTW, after my initial lab time has expired, I was going on holidays (DefCon!). So I asked them if I had to buy a lab extension right away or if I could wait a bit. They said I could take all the time I wanted, so I ended up waiting a full month before buying some extra time.

All that to say if you are planning to buy more lab time, you don't have to buy it right away.

Also, I am scheduled for the OSCP test Saturday, August 21st! So I am buying 10 days of lab today to get ready for the exam!!! Man I hope I pass it...

@H1tM0nk3y and j0rDy - good luck on the exam. Just remember, as muts and the admins always stress, 'Take your time, take breaks, walk away and clear your head occasionally, etc...' It definitely helps. A couple of times, on my exam, I hit a wall -just came up on something I dind't expect or see coming, and threw me for a loop - and that little time away from it was exactly what I needed, and my brain just suddenly 'woke up,' and I cruised through.

I won't say whether or not you have to worry about pivoting, as I've taken it, and obviously, I'm not supposed / permitted to say. However, what I WILL tell you is, if you do well against the initial subnet of machines, Windows AND *nix, pivoting or not, you should do well on the exam.

I wish you both well on the course and exam.

~ hayabusa ~

"All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved." - Sun Tzu, 'The Art of War'

H1t M0nk3y wrote:@j0rDy I have heard that in the test, you don't have to pivot to attack another network. So although it is very useful, if you can't find other networks during your lab time, you should be ok for the exam.

BTW, after my initial lab time has expired, I was going on holidays (DefCon!). So I asked them if I had to buy a lab extension right away or if I could wait a bit. They said I could take all the time I wanted, so I ended up waiting a full month before buying some extra time.

All that to say if you are planning to buy more lab time, you don't have to buy it right away.

Also, I am scheduled for the OSCP test Saturday, August 21st! So I am buying 10 days of lab today to get ready for the exam!!! Man I hope I pass it...

Good luck on the exam! Make sure you take a break now and then, especially if you get stuck on something; it'll help relax you can clear your mind so you can come at the problem with a fresh perspective.